§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why a delay of two to three years is envisaged for the building industry to effect proposals for the insulation of domestic walls to a standard of U=0.6/2mk, when cavity walls in industrial and commercial buildings have been insulated to such a standard since 1979.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergRegulations for thermal insulation standards in industrial and commercial buildings first came into operation on 1 June 1979. We have consulted on the possibility of increasing the standards to be required of domestic buildings, but it is clear that the differences in constructional form and user patterns between domestic and other buildings mean that the same standards cannot be applied immediately. It seems wise to allow for two to three years to solve the technical problems involved.
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will ensure that any new proposals on insulation standards for new housing prescribe a minimum level of 100 mm of mineral fibre for roof insulation;
(2) when he will announce higher insulation standards for new housing.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI am considering whether to seek further views on the desirability of higher standards for roof insulation.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) to what extent his current freeze on local authority housing expenditure will affect the insulation of council properties;
(2) if he will take action to ensure that current limitations on public spending will not delay new local authority insulation work or halt work on contracts already started.
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§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergOur action to correct overspend on local authority housing investment programmes does not affect insulation contracts entered into before Department of the Environment circular 19/80 was received. Authorities have, however, been requested for the time being not to enter into further contracts for insulation or other housing works unless there is a statutory obligation to undertake them.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those local authorities which have already committed their 1980–81 allocation for grants under the Homes Insulation Act.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThis information is not available.